New From FalconGuides® – Women Who Dare:

North America’s Most Inspiring Women Climbers

 “This book offers an inspiring look at the world of female climbing, capturing the heart of the sport from a perspective not fully explored before—that of the women climbers themselves. Working with Chris Noble on this project was an absolute pleasure. He helped me to reflect on and articulate why climbing has become my life’s passion. I highly recommend this delightful read.”

—Sasha DiGiulian, world-ranking leader in female outdoor sport climbing

A celebration of feminine athleticism, wisdom, and skill—Women Who Dare, by Chris Noble, profiles twenty of America’s most inspiring women climbers ranging from legends like Lynn Hill to the rising stars of today. The book is both inspirational and aspirational — as each climber tells her story in her own words, highlighting her personal challenges, accomplishments, and philosophy, as well as providing practical how-to suggestions for maximizing one’s potential in climbing and in life. Includes stunning color photographs by leading adventure photojournalist Chris Noble.

Featured climbers: Elaina Arenz, Kitty Calhoun, Steph Davis, Sasha DiGiulian, Robyn Erbesfield-Raboutou, Nancy Feagin, Dawn Glanc, Brittany Griffith, Emily Harrington, Lisa Hathaway, Lynn Hill, JC Hunter, Lauren Lee McCormick, Alison Osius, Angie Payne, Alex Puccio, Lisa Rands, Beth Rodden, Kate Rutherford, and Madaleine Sorkin.

WOMEN WHO DARE: North America’s Most Inspiring Women Climbers

By Chris Noble; forewords by Steph Davis and Sasha DiGiulian

ISBN 978-0-7627-8371-7 * $24.95 * 208 PP * full-color photos throughout * 7 ¼ x 9 ½ * November 2013

The book can be purchased at your local book seller or ordered online:

http://www.amazon.com/Women-Who-Dare-Americas-Inspiring/dp/0762783710/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384365148&sr=1-1&keywords=Women+Who+Dare

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/women-who-dare-chris-noble/1114830974?ean=9780762783717

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Women-Who-Dare/Chris-Noble/9780762783717?id=5843652991538

http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780762783717

http://www.falcon.com/books/women-who-dare

http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9780762783717-0

http://www.tatteredcover.com/book/9780762783717

I’m pleased and honored to have one of my favorite photographs of Steph Davis chosen for the March 2013 cover of Climbing Magazine.  The photo shows Steph waltzing up a classic Steve Hong route “Glad To Be A Trad” (rated 5.13) in Utah’s Mineral Bottom just outside the boundary to Canyonlands National Park.  It was photographed for my book Women Who Dare, which features Steph along with nineteen other inspiring women climbers, and will be published this coming November by Falcon/Globe Pequot Press.

One of the coolest things about being a photographer is when a client picks the best image and uses it in a compelling way.  This spring I had the privilege of working with Steph Davis, one of the most talented climbers I know, and someone who is committed to excelling in her career as a professional athlete. Steph knew of a stunning Steve Hong route called “Glad to Be a Trad” located near Canyonlands National Park she thought would make great imagery.  She and her husband, world class B.A.S.E. jumper, Mario Richard, and I spent a morning rigging and working the route, but realized the sun was approaching too quickly to get the shot we really wanted.  So we came back at dawn the next day and nailed the image.  I’m delighted to see Evolv make such great use of our efforts.  They’re also producing a poster of the shot, so if you’re planning on attending the summer Outdoor Retailer show, stop by their booth, and pick one up.  If you’re lucky Steph will be there to sign it.

Simultaneously Japan’s Rock and Snow Magazine featured another of my photographs on their October cover.  This time it was the lovely and talented Sasha DiGiulian demonstrating “Climbing Joy” while swinging from a hold on “Golden Boy” (13b) at Kentucky’s Red River Gorge.  Rock and Snow liked this shot so much they also made a poster of it, and featured an entire gallery of my women rock climbing images inside the magazine.

There’s no doubt we’re going to see and hear lots more about Sasha in the coming years. Not long after these magazines went to press Sasha sent the hardest sport route ever climbed by an American women— a 14d in the Red River Gorge.  Read all about that ascent as well as Sasha’s other accomplishments in an upcoming issue of America’s Rock and Ice Magazine in a profile by Executive Editor Alison Osius.